Alan Orange : Curator of Lichens

My research focuses on the family of lichens known as Verrucariaceae. About 150 species are known in Britain and many hundreds worldwide, especially in cold and temperate regions. They are most abundant on limestone, on wet rocks by streams, and on the sea shore. Some of them are parasites on other lichens. The species are often difficult to distinguish from each other and have been much confused. I aim to use DNA sequencing as a fresh approach in this group, putting our knowledge of these widespread lichens on a firm footing.

Is involved in curation, data entry, data analysis and improving access to the Lower Plant collections. Has recently completed collaborative projects are a Catalogue of National Museum Wales Sphagnum Specimens and the Checklist of National Museum Wales bryophyte taxa. Current work includes working on the Catalogue of Welsh Bryophyte Specimens in Museum.

In AD 75, the Romans built a fortress at Caerleon that would guard the region for over 200 years. Today at the National Roman Legion Museum you can learn what made the Romans a formidable force and how life wouldn't be the same without them.